FIREWORKS, FREE ADMISSION AND VINTAGE RACING HIGHLIGHT THE UPCOMING FESTIVITIES ON PUT-IN-BAY

LAKE ERIE SHORES & ISLANDS, OHIO, Aug. 18, 2016 – With the summer season quickly coming to an end, Put-in-Bay is the place to be next week! With two amazing events planned, now is the time to plan your island getaway. First celebrate the 100^th birthday of the National Park Service at Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial with free admission to the observation deck, family-friendly events and a spectacular fireworks display! Then race on over for the 8^th Annual Put-in-Bay Road Race Reunion, showcasing fabulous vintage sports cars.

Did you know that the National Park Service is 100 years old? Established on August 25, 1916, the National Park Service was created to manage a handful of national parks that were already in existence. That number today stands at 412, including the Shores & Islands’ own Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial. Built in 1913, this iconic Put-in-Bay monument honors those who fought in the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812 while celebrating the long-lasting peace between Britain, Canada and the U.S.

Visit the park on Thursday, August 25, to participate in a variety of lawn games for all ages during the day, under the shadow of the 352-foot doric column. The evening brings live musical entertainment at 7 pm as well as “Lights of Peace” at dusk to the lower plaza of the Memorial. OnFriday, August 26, enjoy lawn games and hourly black powder musket demonstrations throughout the day. At 7 pm JP and the Chatfield Boys will entertain on the lower plaza and there will be a spectacular fireworks display at dusk. Both days will feature FREE access to the Memorial observation deck, which will continue through Sunday, August 28.

But the party isn’t over yet! The 8^th Annual Put-in-Bay Road Race Reunion starts on Monday, August 29 and continues through Wednesday, August 31. In the late 1950’s, small engine sports cars would face off on the back roads and village streets of the island. Now the races take place within the safe confines of the Put-in-Bay Airport runways. These exotic, vintage cars return each August to pay homage to the original Road Race and to test their cars racing skills against similar models. See home-built and modified MG, Triumphs, Saabs, Volvos, and Austin Healey’s face off against Porches and Jaguars. And, with the all-new “fan zone,” viewers will be closer than ever to the action.

On Monday, August 29, time trials will take place at the airport from 11 am-4 pm. Then at 6 pm, registered race cars, show cars, and other vintage vehicles will do two paced laps of the island, following the original race route. On Tuesday, August 30, the action continues with races by classification from 10 am-4 pm. The new “fan zone” features a viewing area where spectators can bring their own chairs or enjoy tent-covered bleacher seating close to the track, food and beverage vendors, and close-up views of the “Winner’s Circle.” Finally, on Wednesday, August 31, a special car show featuring the racers and other local classic cars will take place from 8:30-11 am at McCann Field. Sports car, racing, and vintage fans won’t want to miss a minute of the action!

During both the National Park Service’s Centennial Celebration at Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial and the Put-in-Bay Road Race Reunion, island visitors will also have plenty of time to enjoy other island treasures such as parks and beaches, wineries, museums, family fun centers and more, along with a spectacular variety of shopping and dining options. Getting to Put-in-Bay is easy with the Jet Express or Miller Ferry.

With so much happening, why would you be anywhere else next week? Get the details on both events along with lodging and transportation information at SHORESandISLANDS.com.